START DATES: All year around, except for mid-December to early January

On this voluntary teaching project you can work in a primary or secondary school in Sri Lanka. You will help teach conversational English to young children.

Children in disadvantaged areas of Sri Lanka are often good at understanding English. However, their speaking and pronunciation skills are lacking. It is important that they improve to increase their chance of employment in the future.

This project is ideal for anyone considering voluntary work abroad or teachers on a career break.

Supporting the work of teaching assistants, trainee teachers, and newly qualified teachers.

Sharing ideas with existing staff for developing English lessons.

Taking part in extracurricular activities such as sports and music (optional).

We work with a variety of schools in four different areas of Sri Lanka; Negombo, Galle, Kalutara and Panadura. Generally speaking, the pupils will be aged 10 to 14. You will be expected to follow a timetable and work from Monday to Friday each week.

The Sri Lankan school day runs from 8am - 2pm. This is broken into eight separate 40-minute periods, with a twenty-minute break for lunch at around 11am. You will be expected to teach for at least 18 hours per week. Most teachers work for 4 periods each day and spend the rest of their time marking work and preparing lessons.

There may also be the option to organize extracurricular activities in the afternoons. This might include sports, art or music.

School holidays run from early April through to mid-May; as well as one month in August and one month in December. During this time alternative teaching opportunities are available. However, no teaching is available from mid-December through to early January.

Other than the dates mentioned above, this project is very flexible. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

This voluntary work abroad will allow you to gain experience of teaching in the developing world. You will face challenges such as a lack of resources. This will improve your ability to think creatively. You will also be able to share ideas with local staff and learn from their experiences.

Through educating the students at your chosen school, you will learn about Sri Lanka’s culture and way of life. Staff and pupils will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this "cultural exchange" and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

We have over 20 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in Sri Lanka is successful and enjoyable:

Safe accommodation with a Sri Lankan family close to your project.

Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.

A taxi service to meet you at the airport and take you to a local hotel on arrival.

Medical and travel insurance.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you are a qualified teacher then you are perfectly suited to this project.